2013 MLB Preview: Fantasy Baseball NL-Only Catcher Rankings

Ryan LesterMar 16, 2013

Here’s the 2013 LestersLegends Catcher Rankings for NL-only leagues.

1. Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants

Posey led the Majors with a .336 batting average. He led all catchers with 103 RBI. I’m not sure there is much he can’t do. Last year, he finished with a .336-78-24-103-1 line.

2. Miguel Montero, Arizona Diamondbacks

Montero has back-to-back years hitting better than .280 with at least 15 home runs and 86 RBI. He’s been better in the second half the past two years, so you’ll have to be a little patient.

3. Wilin Rosario, Colorado Rockies

Rosario led all catchers last year with 28 home runs. His .270-67-28-71-4 line was impressive. His home and away splits (.957 OPS vs. .721) are a small cause for concern.

4. Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals

Molina has been a model of consistency but blew up last year with a .315-65-22-76-12 line. Even if regression is likely, he should remain one of the league’s top catchers.

5. Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves

McCann hit at least 20 home runs for the fifth straight season but struggled mightily with a .230 batting average. He’s a lifetime .279 hitter, so I expect him to bounce back. He’ll miss the start of the year as he recovers from shoulder surgery, but he should be a pretty nice value.

6. Jonathan Lucroy, Milwaukee Brewers

Lucroy was limited to 96 games last year thanks to a broken hand, but he hit .320 with 46 runs, 16 home runs, 58 RBI and four stolen bases. His OPS, which was .881 last year, has improved each year.

7. Carlos Ruiz, Philadelphia Phillies

Ruiz put on a display last year, turning in a .325-56-16-68-4 line. Unfortunately, he got popped for taking performance-enhancing drugs, so he’ll miss the first 25 games of the year. He’s a solid option once he returns, but you’ll have to make alternative plans early.

8. Travis d'Arnaud, New York Mets

He won't make an impact early, but d’Arnaud could finish the season as solid fantasy catcher option, particularly in NL-only leagues. Last year, he turned in a .333-45-16-52-1 line in 279 at-bats for Triple-A Las Vegas.

9. Russell Martin, Pittsburgh Pirates

Martin struggles with his batting average, but he is a decent source of home runs and stolen bases.

10. A.J. Ellis, Los Angeles Dodgers

Ellis had a modest .270-44-13-52-0 line last year. He’s not going to carry you, by any means, but at least his average isn’t a hindrance.

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